The Platonists

Ancestral Religion with Tom Rowsell | Survive the Jive

In this episode, Tom Rowsell shares his journey from paganism to philosophy, exploring the nature of pagan practices, the role of offerings, and the historical development of religious ideas from the Bronze Age to the Axial Age. Discover insights into ancient mythologies, the evolution of religious beliefs, and the influence of cultural and genetic factors on human thought. In this episode, Tom Rowsell and Eric Claussen explore the depths of pagan mythology, the importance of ancestor worship, and the impact of modern technology on spiritual practice. They discuss the roots of Indo-European gods, the significance of local spirits, and how to reconnect with the divine in everyday life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tom Rousell and his work 00:06 Introduction to pagan mythology and practice 01:55 Tom's journey from Catholic upbringing to paganism 02:52 The roots of Indo-European gods and myths 04:04 The significance of offerings in pagan rituals 06:55 The development of religious ideas during the Bronze Age 07:21 The significance of local spirits and sacred spaces 10:02 Mythology as a conservative tradition 11:59 How technology influences spiritual perception 14:14 The relationship between belief and practice in paganism 17:01 Starting pagan practice with ancestors 20:06 The influence of the Axial Age and writing on religious development 22:03 The distinction between myth stories and divine personalities 25:04 The divergence of Indo-Iranic religions and myths 27:04 The universal versus particular aspects of gods 30:09 Genetics, IQ, and the development of ancient civilizations 32:09 The importance of environment in spiritual practice 35:06 The role of cities in cultural and philosophical progress 37:01 The dangers of syncretism and cultural distortion 40:07 The limitations of historical knowledge about ancient beliefs 41:57 Practical advice for beginners in paganism 44:45 Zoroaster and the reform of Indo-Iranic religion 47:00 The role of sacred spaces like caves and tombs 52:13 The influence of ancestral memory and lineage 57:01 The impact of modern technology on spiritual focus 01:01:56 The importance of environment and purification 01:07:02 The future of paganism and cultural revival https://www.survivethejive.co.uk/

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Building Pagan Communities with Aidan McMillan

In this episode, Aidan McMillan from the Asatru Folk Assembly shares insights on building pagan communities, the importance of ritual, infrastructure, and community outreach, and how to navigate challenges and criticism while fostering authentic spiritual growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Aidan McMillan and the AFA 01:59 History and foundation of the Asatru Folk Assembly 03:59 Building and maintaining Hofs and land spaces 07:04 The significance of old churches and land graves 09:55 Continuity and restoration of pagan traditions 14:59 Community rituals and their divine significance 19:55 The importance of infrastructure and land ownership 24:58 Engagement with local communities and outreach 30:01 Dealing with criticism and external challenges 35:00 The role of public identity and authenticity 40:04 Proselytizing and community growth strategies 44:57 The importance of land spirits and land rituals 50:01 The future of pagan revival and community diversity guest links runestone.org

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Exploring Platonic Buddhism with Logos and Dharma

In this episode, Odysseus Bournias Varotsis and Eric explore the intersection of Platonism, theurgy, and modern spiritual practices. They discuss the importance of lineage, the role of science in spirituality, and the future of religious communities in the West. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the convergence of East and West spiritual traditions 02:05 Odysseus's background in Platonism and Buddhism 04:12 The concept of the Platonic polity and justice 07:04 Modern categories versus ancient philosophical principles 09:01 The divine order and its relation to dualism and non-dualism 12:46 The One in Platonism and its relation to nothingness in Zen 16:01 The Forms and their relation to Buddhist phenomenology 18:50 Emanation, Trikaya, and metaphysical similarities 21:47 The balance between metaphysics and phenomenology in practice 25:09 The evolution of Buddhist metaphysics and early texts 29:54 The concept of Dharmakaya and bliss in Buddhism 35:04 Plotinus, mysticism, and contemplative practices 39:56 The non-self doctrine and its deeper implications 44:55 The importance of practice and direct insight 50:10 Theurgy, self-emptying, and divine communication 55:05 Erotic union and the divine in Platonism and Tantra 01:00:11 The perennial structure of consciousness and awakening 57:12 The cycle of activity and the eternal return 58:45 The difference between manifestation and reincarnation 58:52 The ego's role in spiritual practice and potential dangers 01:00:11 Connecting with lineage across Eastern and Western traditions 01:01:09 Experiential understanding of texts and the importance of realization 01:02:06 Signs and phenomenology in spiritual experiences 01:03:00 Dealing with daimonic and divine appearances 01:04:27 The guidance of teachers and the value of lineage 01:05:25 The future of religion and the rise of intentional communities 01:07:25 Tantra and the recognition of the mind's nature 01:09:29 Reviving lost lineages through theoretical and experiential knowledge 01:11:18 The importance of direct experience over reconstruction 01:12:24 Science as a spiritual science and the integration with spirituality 01:13:00 The evolution of scientific paradigms and consciousness 01:15:34 The potential unification of science and non-dual awareness 01:19:01 The coming axial age and the evolution of spiritual thought 01:20:52 The role of local communities and decentralized spirituality 01:23:13 The shift from materialism to consciousness-centered science 01:26:36 The importance of experiential and phenomenological approaches 01:29:45 The new era of spiritual science and collective awakening 01:34:25 The perennial philosophy and non-centralized spiritual networks 01:40:38 Personalized revelation and signs of divine contact 01:44:25 The core of spiritual practice: heart, experience, and direct contact 01:46:00 The revival of tradition through personal experience and lineage 01:50:54 The importance of discernment and authentic divine contact 01:51:01 Where to find Odysseus Bournias Varotsis and closing remarks https://t.me/platonicbuddhism https://substack.com/@odysseusbourniasvarotsis https://www.youtube.com/@LogosAndDharma

Platonic Epistemology: TAG, Presup and Apologetics

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of presuppositionalism, the Tag argument, and their connections to Platonic epistemology. We explore how these arguments shape apologetics and the philosophical foundations of knowledge and truth. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of Platonic philosophy, epistemology, and theology, exploring how these ideas underpin arguments for God's existence and the nature of reality. We also discuss common misconceptions and strategic approaches in philosophical debates. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Platonic Epistemology 03:04 Understanding Presuppositionalism and TAG 06:08 Critique of Presuppositional Arguments 08:49 The Role of TAG in Apologetics 11:58 Knowledge and Intelligibility 14:55 The Impossibility of the Contrary 17:48 The Nature of Being and the One 21:02 The Trinity and Its Implications 24:08 Separation of Theology and Metaphysics 45:34 Theological Foundations and Presuppositions 48:00 Universalism vs. Particularity in Theology 51:35 Logos and the Nature of Knowledge 54:00 Understanding Knowledge: Justified True Belief 01:00:09 Agrippa's Trilemma and the Limits of Justification 01:06:01 Knowledge vs. Belief: A Platonic Perspective 01:09:57 The Nature of Knowledge and Its Conveyance 01:14:57 Language and the Challenges of Philosophical Discourse 01:24:30 The Nature of Knowledge and Belief 01:27:03 Common Ground in Arguments 01:29:08 The TAG Argument and Its Implications 01:30:58 Critiquing the Trinity and Coherence 01:33:59 Truth vs. Coherence in Arguments 01:36:10 Exploring the TAG Argument Further 01:38:51 Understanding Transcendence and Universals 01:51:56 The Relationship Between the Many and the One 02:04:58 Reflections on Metaphysics and Reality 02:10:00 Platonism as a Religious Worldview

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Universalism with American Esoteric | Collin Conkwright

In this episode, Collin Conkwright discusses his spiritual journey, the concept of universalism, and the importance of experiential religion. He explores the nature of spiritual phenomena, the role of dogmatism, and the potential of parapsychology and UFOs to expand our understanding of reality. In this engaging conversation, Collin Conkwright explores the mysteries of consciousness, spiritual dimensions, and universal principles that underpin reality. Delving into topics like near-death experiences, the nature of gods, and the fall of the soul, this dialogue offers profound insights into the nature of existence and the potential for a new understanding of spirituality. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Exploration 02:53 The Quest for Universal Truths 05:56 Understanding Universalism and Its Misconceptions 08:48 Experiential Religion and Spiritual Realism 11:56 The Balance of Dogmatism and Experience 15:02 The Role of Religious Literacy 18:10 Bridging Materialism and Spirituality 21:07 The Future of Dogmatic Religions 24:06 Experiential Origins of Religious Beliefs 26:54 Modern Phenomena and Ancient Wisdom 29:59 The Importance of Direct Experience 33:10 High Stakes vs. Low Stakes Experiences 45:53 Exploring Spiritual Realism and Synchronicity 51:32 The Nature of Spiritual Beings and Phenomena 57:58 The Intersection of Spirituality and UFOs 01:06:25 Universalism and the Nature of Deities 01:14:49 Universal Laws and the Nature of Time 01:21:15 The Nature of Time and Collective Consciousness 01:24:44 The Fall of the Soul: Ignorance and Illusion 01:27:49 Experiencing Forgetfulness: The Journey of the Soul 01:30:40 The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth 01:35:50 The Shift from Materialism to Consciousness 01:39:10 Religious Literacy and the Need for Nuance 01:44:31 The Future of Spirituality: Balancing Dogma and Freedom https://www.youtube.com/@americanesoteric https://a.co/d/0bGTxd1t

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Plato and Nietzsche with Mark Anderson

Discover how the trajectory of Western philosophy from Plato to Nietzsche reveals the shifting ideas of being, becoming, and nihilism. Join Eric as he chats with Mark Anderson, a philosophy professor and author, about the core themes that have shaped philosophical thought through the ages and their relevance today. Mark Anderson's background and focus on Plato and Nietzsche The structure and themes of his new book, A Concise History of Western Philosophy The metaphysics of being and becoming from Parmenides to Plotinus How medieval thinkers like Augustine and Aquinas integrated Platonic ideas The shift introduced by William of Ockham and the rise of modernity Nietzsche's radical critique of being and his notion of nihilism The psychological and metaphysical aspects of nihilism and its implications for contemporary culture The idea of the eternal return and its relation to meaning and purposelessness The importance of living philosophy and integrating it into everyday life Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Mark Anderson and the scope of the episode 02:05 - Mark's journey into philosophy: from art to academia 04:13 - The influence of Plato and Nietzsche in Anderson’s work 07:15 - The structure of Anderson’s new book and its focus on Platonism 09:13 - Tracing the history of being from Parmenides to Plotinus 12:54 - The shift to becoming and the rise of nominalism with Occam 19:12 - The impact of modernity and nihilism in contemporary thought 23:23 - Philosophy as a way of life and the philosopher artist 27:21 - The environment of Plato’s Greece and the sophists 32:50 - The metaphysics of forms and the influence of Parmenides and Heraclitus 36:59 - The debates over the nature of reality and flux in Plato and Heraclitus 44:16 - The concept of the ultimate good and its connection to Platonic metaphysics 52:25 - Aquinas and the Christian reinterpretation of Platonism 62:55 - The revolutionary ideas of William of Ockham and the shift toward modern science 73:49 - Hume’s problem of induction and the flux of experience 84:50 - Nietzsche’s critique of metaphysics and the notion of the will to power 93:45 - The concept of the eternal return and its implications for meaning 98:01 - The difference between metaphysical and psychological nihilism 102:01 - Nietzsche’s depiction of nihilism as the death of God and the rejection of being 107:15 - The “Yes-sayer”: embracing nihilism and transforming it into life-affirmation 113:34 - The ongoing tension between being and becoming in culture and history 120:00 - Final thoughts: imagining Nietzsche and Plato togetherResources & Links: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/concise-history-of-western-philosophy-9781350555976/

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Sanatana Dharma and Platonism with Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya

In this enlightening conversation, Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya explores the deep connections between Sanatana Dharma and Platonism, discusses the nature of God, devas, and the future of traditional spirituality, emphasizing the importance of community, leadership, and authentic practice. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sanatana Dharma and Acharya Pravartaka 05:16 Exploring the Parallels Between Platonism and Sanatana Dharma 10:08 Understanding Brahman: Nirguna and Saguna 20:33 The Nature of Devas and Mahadevas 29:38 The Mortality of Gods and Their Cosmic Role 32:33 The Nature of Gods and Reincarnation 34:33 Worshiping the Gods: Imitating Goodness 38:12 Pythagorean Parallels: Philosophy and Practice 43:28 Building Spiritual Communities 49:02 The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Movements 55:40 Envisioning a Golden Age: A New Civilization 01:00:07 The Future of Abrahamic Faiths in a New Era 01:04:02 The Vedic Jesus vs. The Pauline Jesus 01:09:46 Critique of Nietzsche and His Influence 01:15:53 Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Spirituality 01:20:46 The Importance of Ethnicity and Community 01:26:10 Decentralization and Local Governance 01:32:07 The Role of Individualism in Community Life Links Website - https://dharmacentral.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/dharmanation

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Platonism and Religion with Aarvoll

The conversation delves into the exploration of Platonism, its influence on philosophy and religion, and its intersection with Christianity. It covers the early philosophical interests of the speaker, the rediscovery of Plato and Neoplatonism, the understanding of Plotinus and Proclus, the influence of Christianity on Neoplatonism, the concept of forgiveness in Platonism and Christianity, the impact of Platonism and Christianity on society, and the early Christianity and Platonism as mystery schools. The conversation delves into the topics of reincarnation in Christianity, eschatological views, the dating and composition of the Old Testament, the philosophical approach to Christianity and pagan ideas, Paul's letters and divine inspiration, metaphysics and theology in Platonism, and henology and personality in Platonism. The influence of Platonic philosophy on Christian theology is a recurring theme throughout the discussion. The conversation delves into the ontological dependence in Platonism, the analogy of light and color, the relationship between musical tones and forms, the symbolic nature of distinctions and attributes of God, the essence-energies distinction, the careful approach of Proclus in theology, abridged concepts and simplification in theology, the divine shard and reunification in Platonism, the fall of the soul and the divine shard, the archetypal man and the sum of being, the free will aspect and theurgy, the problem of the one and the many in Platonism, the question of existence and the first principle, the superposition of all categories in the first principle, the stable ontological state of reality, the fall of the soul and the regress of will, the archetypal man and the sum of being, the decline and the perspective of the fall, the free will aspect and the fall of the soul, the puzzle of the fall of the soul and theurgy, the divine shard and the process of negation, and the will to continue being and divine antinomy. The conversation delves into the nature of will and its connection to the divine, exploring the concept of the one in relation to essence and existence. The discussion provides insights into the complexities of these philosophical concepts and their implications for understanding the nature of reality and existence. Takeaways Platonism and its influence on philosophy and religion The intersection of Platonism and Christianity Reincarnation in Christianity Influence of Platonic philosophy on Christian theology Ontological dependence in Platonism Unity that transcends all three aspects of being The nature of will and its relationship to the divine The concept of the one in relation to essence and existence Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Platonism and Early Philosophical Interests 06:04 Understanding Plotinus and Proclus 13:07 Platonism, Christianity, and Forgiveness 20:25 Platonism, Christianity, and Societal Impact 26:02 Early Christianity and Platonism as Mystery Schools 35:48 Reincarnation in Christianity and Theodosian Christianity 41:03 Dating and Composition of the Old Testament 46:21 Paul's Letters and Divine Inspiration 55:32 Henology and Personality in Platonism 01:05:17 Ontological Dependence in Platonism 01:11:06 The Distinction in Forms and Participation 01:17:06 The Fall of the Soul and the Divine Shard 01:22:41 The Question of Existence and the First Principle 01:28:15 The Free Will Aspect and the Fall of the Soul 01:33:34 The Nature of Will and the Divine 01:45:27 The One in Relation to Essence and Existence

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What are the Gods?

This conversation delves into the evolution of Platonism, focusing on the transition from a purely philosophical approach to a more community-oriented and religiously focused understanding. Eric and Ethan explore the nature of the gods as divine souls, the importance of worship, and the distinctions between metaphysics and theology. They discuss the ancient and modern conceptions of personhood, the role of intelligible and psychic gods, and the implications of different pantheons coexisting. The myth of the chariot from Plato's Phaedrus is examined as a metaphor for the soul's journey, and the nature of daimons is also addressed, highlighting their role as intermediary spirits. In this conversation, Eric and Ethan explore the nature of daimons, spirits, and the complexities of evil. They discuss the implications of divine command theory versus moral realism, emphasizing the importance of understanding the good. The role of law in morality is examined, highlighting how laws serve as reflections of the good. The conversation culminates in a call to restore a sense of Platonic religiosity, emphasizing the need for community and the importance of the gods' care for humanity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Classical and Religious Platonism 02:57 Understanding the Nature of the Gods 06:04 The Role of Worship in Platonism 08:55 The Distinction Between Theology and Metaphysics 11:47 The Separation of Metaphysics and Theology 14:48 The Nature of Personhood in Ancient vs. Modern Contexts 18:04 The Intelligible Gods vs. Psychic Gods 21:04 The Myth of the Chariot in Phaedrus 48:34 The Plane of Truth and Divine Forms 52:00 The Henads and Intelligible Gods 55:59 Understanding Pantheons and Their Distinctions 01:00:02 The Nature of Daimons and Spirits 01:11:59 Evil Spirits and Their Influence 01:20:53 Exploring the Nature of Evil and Redemption 01:22:39 The Debate on Morality and Divine Command Theory 01:24:35 Plato's Euthyphro Dilemma and Moral Realism 01:31:30 Understanding the Good and Moral Compass 01:35:30 The Role of Law in Moral Guidance 01:50:42 Restoring Platonic Religiosity and Community Building

Threshold of the Cave: A New Era of Platonic Liturgy

In this episode, Eric interviews Giioke Arturo, a member of the Platonic Path group, about his innovative project, "Threshold of the Cave," which serves as a Platonic worship service. Giioke shares his journey into Platonism, highlighting the challenges he faced in establishing a personal practice and how this led to the creation of a structured worship service designed for modern practitioners. The podcast aims to facilitate Platonic worship in a way that is accessible and meaningful for everyday individuals, incorporating elements like the lunar calendar and traditional Roman practices into a contemporary context. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Platonic Worship 01:12 Creating Threshold of the Cave 08:30 Understanding the Roman Calendar 15:42 Modern Adaptations of Ancient Holidays 23:09 Blending Ancient and Modern Practices 34:38 The Evolution of Religious Practices 39:12 Understanding the Platonic Church Service 44:53 Engaging with the Divine: Accessibility in Worship 51:51 Personal Spiritual Journeys and Community Engagement 01:00:18 Embracing Modern Spirituality https://thresholdofthecave.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips https://substack.com/@giiokearturo?utm_source=about-page

Contemporary Platonism and the Platonic Path

In this conversation, Eric and Ethan explore the intricate relationship between Platonism, paganism, and Christianity. They discuss Ethan's spiritual journey, the foundations of Platonism, its role as a religion, and the accessibility of its teachings. The conversation delves into the cultural and ethnic identity in religious practices, the influence of Christianity on Western culture, and the significance of Orphism within Platonism. They also debate the notion of Plato as a proto-Christian and the implications of this perspective for understanding the evolution of Western thought. In this conversation, Eric and Ethan explore the relevance of Platonism in today's chaotic world, discussing its philosophical roots and practical applications. They emphasize the importance of community, the relationship between spirituality and politics, and the need for a modern interpretation of ancient wisdom. The dialogue highlights the challenges facing Platonism today and outlines a vision for its future as a viable spiritual path. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation 03:04 Ethan's Spiritual Journey and Background 06:00 Exploring Platonism and Paganism 11:48 Understanding Platonism: Philosophy or Religion? 14:57 The Nature of Platonism and Its Texts 20:55 Accessibility of Platonism for Everyday People 26:58 Structure and Rituals of Platonic Path 33:54 Cultural Identity and Religion in the West 39:00 The Influence of Greco-Roman Culture on Western Identity 46:46 Christianity's Cultural Roots and Platonism 51:44 The Role of Orphism in Platonism 56:54 Christianity's Borrowing from Pagan Traditions 01:02:43 Plato: The Proto-Christian Debate 01:14:51 Everyday Practices in Platonic Spirituality 01:27:23 The Pursuit of Eudaimonia 01:29:16 Modern Platonism and Online Communities 01:33:28 Challenges Facing Platonists 01:37:31 Adapting Platonism for Modern Issues 01:41:03 Living as a Philosopher 01:47:33 Religion, Politics, and Their Interconnection 01:51:42 The Role of Religion in Politics 01:58:35 Distinguishing Platonic Path from Other Movements 02:06:39 Long-term Goals of Platonic Path

Heliotroph on Julian and Paganism

In this conversation, Eric and Heliotroph delve into the historical significance of Julian, the fourth-century emperor, and his impact on the cultural shift from paganism to Christianity. They discuss the challenges faced by modern pagan communities, the role of spirituality in today's society, and the importance of grounding oneself in reality through practices like meditation and physical activity. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of community building and the potential future of religion in a rapidly changing world. Heliotroph: X: https://x.com/Heliotrophy Substack: https://heliotroph.substack.com/ Books: amzn.to/3XE4QXa - Julian https://a.co/d/ilzBzti - Hymns to the Gods https://a.co/d/9Q82sRF - Hierocles Golden Verses https://a.co/d/cKL7RkE - Epictetus Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Book Discussion 02:54 Exploring Julian's Historical Significance 06:01 Julian's Character and Influence 08:43 The Fourth Century: A Turning Point 11:38 Cultural Dynamics of Paganism and Christianity 14:41 The Role of Community in Spirituality 17:42 Modern Parallels and Future Possibilities 37:37 Embracing Cringe: The Value of Seriousness 40:58 The Power of Small Communities 43:03 Grounding in Tradition: The Platonic North Star 46:05 The Role of Deities in Communicating Tradition 49:03 Civic Virtue and Individual Action 51:28 The Evolution of Religion in the West 54:46 Navigating Trust in a Digital Age 59:40 Reconnecting with the Body 01:05:06 Spiritual Bypassing: The Dangers of Escapism 01:11:14 Engaging with Christianity: A Call for Dialogue 01:14:43 The Nature of Modern Belief Systems

Interview with Classical Wisdom Tradition

In this podcast episode, Eric and the founder of the Classical Wisdom Tradition discuss the significance of Platonism, focusing on the new book 'Flower of the Mind.' They explore the scale of virtues, the importance of civic virtue, and the journey of spiritual ascent within the Platonist framework. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper order in learning, the relationship between rationality and spirituality, and the challenges of modern spirituality. They also highlight the revival of traditional Western spirituality and the importance of allowing the tradition to speak for itself. You can download the PDF of Flower of the Mind in the pinned message on the CWT Telegram (link below). https://t.me/classicalpolytheism 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 00:53 Exploring 'Flower of the Mind' and Its Significance 05:53 The Scale of Virtues in Platonism 12:05 Civic Virtue: The Foundation of Platonism 17:52 The Journey of Spiritual Ascent 23:55 Balancing Rationality and Spirituality 29:59 The Importance of Personal Growth and Virtue Cultivation 36:34 The Journey of Learning and Growth 39:48 The Structure of Classical Education 42:44 The Allegory of the Cave and Levels of Knowledge 45:08 Purification of the Soul and the Tripartite Soul 52:53 The Role of Rituals in Spiritual Practice 01:00:06 The Importance of Correct Beliefs 01:06:18 Reviving Western Spiritual Traditions 01:09:53 Challenges in Understanding Spirituality 01:16:03 The Future of Western Spirituality

The Divine Triad

In this video, the Divine Triad of Jove, Magna Mater, and Dionysus is explained. More video content is on the way, but check YouTube for more. The Romanist Society is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Eric Claussen at platonicpath.substack.com/subscribe

Episode II AMA

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The Romanist Society Podcast

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